HS Basketball: Gopaul's 24pts Carries Cascade Christian in Instant Classic

1/17/2025

(Puyallup, WA) Friday night saw a clash of two of the finest programs in the Nisqually League. After Bellevue Christian and Cascade Christian exchanged leads throughout the night, in the end CCS thanks Josiah Gopaul’s 24 point effort came out of the battle on top with a 73-69 win. The win improves the Cougars’ record to 9-3 overall, the visiting Vikings record fell to 9-4.

This non league game was a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s District 3 Semifinal won by Bellevue Christian 52-48. Cascade Christian after a 13-3 regular season in the Nisqually League would lose in the next round to Life Christian and find themselves eliminated from postseason contention. Bellevue Christian went on to advance to the Sundome in Yakima for State, for the second straight year.

The game began with the visiting Vikings feeling right at home inside Cascade Christian’s gym. Drake Penberthy was a huge reason for the Bellevue Christian lead, a quartet of three’s paced the sophomore’s 14 points in the opening quarter. Bellevue Christian led after one quarter of play 19-10.

Period number two saw the quick strike offense for Cascade Christian go to work. Andrew Howells started to hit from 3 point territory while Josiah Gopaul began to dominate the offensive boards for the Cougars. The Cougars went on to outscore Bellevue Christian in the 2nd quarter 22-7. Cascade Christian led at the half 32-26. Brandy Tonkin scored six of the Vikings seven points in the quarter.

The second half began with Josiah Gopaul taking over the game for Cascade Christian. The senior helped stretch the Cougars’ lead to as large as twelve. Gopaul scored nine points in the third quarter to pace the Cougars offense. But Bellevue Christian did not let Cascade Christian run away with the half. Conner Banach scored all ten of his points in the third quarter to rally BCS. Cascade Christian’s second half lead was trimmed from 12 to 3. The Cougars led 52-49 after three quarters.

With eight minutes left in what was an already thrilling game, the fun was just getting started. The Vikings and Cougars lit up the score board with their brightest stars. Bellevue Christian’s Drake Penberthy began to score in the paint proficiently in the paint, while Cascade Christian’s Josiah Gopaul did the same for the Cougars in the final quarter. Bellevue Christian led in the final minutes 68-65, when Cascade Christian’s Kai Kilborn put down a right pocket three to tie the game at 68 with 1:26 to go. With how excellent play was for both teams, the final seconds turned into a battle at the free throw line. Josiah Gopaul capped off a 24 point night by putting Cascade Christian in front 70-68 with 48 seconds left. Both teams traded free throws to give Bellevue Christian a chance to tie or take the lead. A defensive rebound by senior forward Grant Johnson put Cascade Christian in position for the win.

Marcus McNicol sealed the game for Cascade Christian by sinking a pair of free throws to send Cascade Christian into the win column. The Cougars won the game 73-69 thanks to 24 points from Game MVP Josiah Gopaul. Andrew Howells chipped in with 16 points for the Cougars. Bellevue Christian witnessed Drake Penberthy score a game high 25 points in the loss, Brandy Tonkin finished with 15 points for the Vikings. The win sets the tone for the Cougars as they start league play on Tuesday against Life Christian Academy, while Bellevue Christian faces Klahowya on Friday with their start in Nisqually League competition.

Here is the scoring summary from the game.

Bellevue Christian:

Drake Penberthy 25, Brandy Tonkin 15, Brock Huber 11, Conner Banach 11, Luke Evenson 9

Cascade Christian:

Josiah Gopaul 24, Andrew Howells 16, Kai Kilborn 9, Grant Johnson 7, Josiah Lewis 7, Cole Theiste 4, Marcus McNicol 2

To catch the full game replay Click Here (Subscription Required).

Here is our Interviews with Game MVP Josiah Gopaul and Cascade Christian Head Coach Cody Shackett with highlight of the game to follow.

ESN Interviews Game MVP Josiah Gopaul